Part of the ielts speaking Test Yourself 13 Reading Your Family 14

4. Do you like your name? And will you change it in the future?
I quite like my name, Xiaojiao, and there is no need for me to change it. My name is very
unique. I don’t think that anyone else in China was ever given the same first name. My father really
wanted to be original. My name is who I am. It’s part of my identity, and it’s meaningful to me．
I like my name because of its meaning, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Although my
name is very common in China, I got used to being called Yaning, and changing my name now
would just .be weird (= strange).

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5. Why do some people change their names?
Well, most probably because they simply dislike them. They might not be happy with
the way they sound. Actually, I have heard of some people who have changed their names
because they did not match their feng shui, you know, the belief that you can receive positive
energy from different things．It’s an ancient Chinese thing. In my country, a name could
bring you good fortune. It’s all about destiny. Personally, I have never met anyone who has
changed their name, only in movies when some people need to create a new identity for
themselves, or a new life to escape from a horrible situation in their past.
6. Very good, thank you. Miss Tang, when were you born?
I was born in 1991．My birthday is on December the 3`d. This year I am turning 20.
7. Tell me a few things about yourself.
Okay, no problem. I was born in a small town in Fujian Province, about 300 kilometers
north of Fuzhou. I was raised there until the age of 18 when I moved to Fuzhou to attend
university. I am currently studying accounting, and I have another two years to go before
I get a Bachelor’s degree. I am sitting in front of you today because I intend to continue
my studies in Australia, possibly next year. As far as my hobbies go, I like listening to
music and exercising．I enjoy jogging and playing badminton with friends．I am a little
shy depending on the situation, but I can also be very talkative when I hang out with my
classmates.
TRY TO USE：
I have been studying at university for two years．
I have been living in Fuzhou for 3 years now.
I have been working in the same company for 6 years now.
I have been studying English for along time, even though I don’t often get
a chance to practice my speaking．